The Donovan House, the sleek boutique hotel on DC’s Thomas Circle, hasn’t had the easiest go of things in the dining department. Originally, its in-house restaurant was to be a Todd English-helmed modern-Asian place called Cha. A few months ago, after repeatedly delayed openings, English pulled out of the project and in came Susur Lee, the chef behind Shang in the Thompson Hotel, the Donovan’s sister property in Manhattan. The candlelit restaurant and lounge—now called Zentan (1155 14th St. NW; 202-379-4366)—opened Monday. The menu offers small plates, sushi, and pan-Asian entrées, including a few hits from Shang such as five-spice slaw and quick-sauté wild garlic shrimp.

Read on for a look at the dining room and lounge plus the dinner menu.